The daughter of a WWII pilot has reinforced the need to “remember your family who served on Anzac Day”.
Lesley Black’s father, Jeffrey Philip Bills – a former Broken Hill High School student and General Manager of North Broken Hill Limited – was an honoured member of the Anzac Squadron – 461 Squadron RAAF. It was an article XV Squadron, formed on April 25, 1943, from elements of 10 Squadron RAAF who left for Britain in 1938 to pick up their new Sunderlands for Australian service.
Then Attorney-General Robert Menzies volunteered them to Britain to help protect the sea lanes at the start of the war. The Squadron commenced active service on September 4, 1939, with the sinking of the liner, Athenia.
Mr Bills enlisted on December 7, 1941 – the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor – and started his basic training at Mount Breckan, Victor Harbor, as flight 12, B Squadron, Course 30.
“[It was] followed by flight training in Benalla on Tiger Moths, Wirraways, and Ansons. It was an honour to receive your wings in those days – the pilots were regarded as highly as astronauts,” Ms Black said.
“When he arrived in the UK, he joined the Australian coastal squadron as aircrew on the largest operational aircraft of the war, the Sunderland flying boat. He served with 461 Squadron for the duration of the war while based at Pembroke Dock.
“The large flying boats allowed them to rotate stations during the long 10-hour flights. His crew was commended for the sinking of U-270 in the English Channel, remarkable because none usually sank U-boats, and this was without loss of life on either side.”
Mr Bills was flying in the English Channel the night before D-Day, however, foul weather turned them back.
“Remember your family and friends who served, with pride,” Ms Black concluded.
“If you were a BHHS alumni think about giving to Margaret Burrowes any mementos of your time in the cadets or services for the [historical archives] room she is establishing at the school.”
